What is green waste disposal?

A:

Quick Answer

Green waste disposal involves taking green waste materials to landfills and recycling centers where it is converted into compost and mulch. Green waste is made up of bush and shrub clippings, lawn cuttings, garden waste and leaves. People who have their green waste picked up should not add rocks, dirt, paper or food waste in recycling containers.

Green waste is relatively clean and will not take up large amounts of space in area landfills. The biodegradable materials assist in extending the life of local landfills and improve incinerator performance during energy recovery.

Waste Management, a leading recycler and waste management company, asks consumers to place grass clippings, weeds, pruned branches and leaves into 96-gallon green waste carts. Long branches should be cut into lengths of 4 feet or less.

Green and eco-friendly waste disposal techniques reduce the greenhouse gases that lead to global warming. They also reduce landfill waste and landfill odor.

Because green waste is converted into compost, the structure of the soil is ultimately improved. Green waste disposal then improves crop yields, encourages deeper root systems for plants and reduces the risk of soil borne diseases. The Back to Earth Initiative adds that the practice reduces pesticide use as well.